| I have a white patch in my mouth that
won't seem to go away. Is it serious?
Mouth sores may be symptoms of a disease
or disorder. Canker sores and cold sores
are annoying and often painful but they
usually go away over time. Leukoplakia
(pronounced
loo-koh-PLAY-kee-ah)—a thick,
whitish patch that forms on the inside
of the cheeks, gums or tongue—is more
serious because it can develop into cancer.
Leukoplakias are caused by excess cell
growth and are common among tobacco users.
They may also be caused by an irritation
such as an ill-fitting denture or chewing
on the inside of the cheek. See your
dentist if you have a mouth sore that
lasts a week or longer. For more information
and examples of mouth sores, see
A-Z Topics: Mouth Sores.
How can I help prevent oral
cancer?
Eliminate risk factors. Tobacco use
combined with heavy alcohol use (30 drinks
or more a week) is the primary risk factor
for oral cancer. Schedule regular dental
checkups to allow for early detection
and treatment if cancer develops. Take
a good look at your mouth after brushing
or flossing. If you notice any of these
signs or symptoms, see your dentist:
- a persistent sore or irritation that
bleeds easily and does not heal;
- red
and/or white lesions;
- pain, tenderness
or numbness anywhere in the mouth or
lips;
- a lump, thickening, rough spot,
crust or small eroded area;
- difficulty
chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving
the jaw or tongue; or
- a change in the
way your teeth fit together when
you close your mouth completely.
Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
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